Bimmers Garage

BMW M4 GTS debuts in Tokyo with 500 PS

2015-10-31T19:55:00.004-05:00

BMW M4 GTS debuts in Tokyo with 500 PS

BMW has unveiled the new M4 GTS in Tokyo.

Designed to be the ultimate driving machine, the M4 GTS has an aerodynamic body kit that includes an adjustable front splitter, a new hood and a carbon fiber rear wing. The model also has a carbon fiber diffuser, a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic trunk lid and a titanium exhaust system. Other highlights include LED headlights, OLED taillights and exclusive M light-alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

The sporty styling continues in the cabin as designers added an Alcantara-wrapped sport steering wheel and carbon-fiber bucket seats (M sports seats in North America) which are upholstered in exclusive Alcantara and Merino leather. The M4 GTS also has three-point seat belts, a lightweight center console and pull loops that replace the door handles. The rear seat has also been removed and replaced by a glass-fiber-reinforced plastic shelf and a rear panel this is covered in Alcantara.

Power is provided by an upgraded 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine - with water injection technology - that produces 500 PS (368 kW) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) which enables the coupe to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds before hitting a limited top speed of 305 km/h (189.5 mph). PHOTOS

BMW announces new method to compress hydrogen that significantly increases fuel cell car range

2015-10-31T19:54:00.001-05:00

BMW announces new method to compress hydrogen that significantly increases fuel cell car range

BMW has announced a breakthrough in fuel cell car development as they have discovered a new method to compress hydrogen.

The new technique to compress hydrogen is still a work in progress and will need a few years to perfect, but BMW mentions that once the technology will be optimized it will enable a car to cover more than 435 miles (700 km) before the hydrogen tanks will need a refill. This new method will compress the hydrogen at extremely low temperatures in order to increase its storage volume and this will be possible by installing a Toyota-developed fuel cell stack as a base.

Speaking to Reuters at the ongoing Tokyo Motor Show, the company’s head of fuel cell development Merten Jung said the system will be launched “sometime after 2020” and he specified it will be incorporated in a “long distance car, a larger sedan” as the technology is tailored to bigger vehicles. This means BMW’s fuel cell model will be larger than the recently introduced Toyota Mirai and Honda Clarity Fuel Cell.

Jung told the media that it’s unlikely BMW and Toyota will work together on a fuel cell vehicle as the two companies target different markets, so although the hydrogen setup will be largely shared, everything else is going to be differentiated. PHOTOS

This 2015 BMW 330i facelift is packed with M goodies

2015-10-31T19:53:00.001-05:00

This 2015 BMW 330i facelift is packed with M goodies

A brand new BMW 330i equipped with a plethora of optional M goodies is on display at an Abu Dhabi dealer.

A few months ago, the 3-Series received one of the most subtle facelifts ever elaborated by BMW and now a 330i has landed at the company’s Abu Dhabi Motors dealership with numerous accessories from the M Performance catalog. This Mineral Grey Metallic example comes with a carbon fiber front splitter, side skirts, rear spoiler and rear diffuser - all of which have been painted in red while the kidney grille is now blacked out and adorned with the M colors.

Red accents were also applied onto the 19-inch double-spoke style 405 M wheels while on the inside it has gained a wood trim, Dakota leather upholstery and a sunroof. This is a rear-wheel drive example, but BMW is offering the 330i with an xDrive setup as well and both of them can be had with an eight-speed auto and an eight-speed sport auto while the rear-wheel drive version is also offered with a six-speed manual.

Replacing the 328i, the BMW 330i has a turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 252 PS (185 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. When equipped with the manual gearbox, the 330i runs the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.9 seconds while the automatic slashes 0.1s and in all cases the top speed is electronically capped at 155 mph (250 km/h).

In terms of pricing, the rear-wheel drive BMW 330i kicks off at €39,750 in Germany if you go for the manual gearbox and rises to €41,900 for the automatic and to €42,210 for the sport automatic. As for the xDrive version, this one can be had with the auto from €44,400 and with the sport auto from €44,710. PHOTOS

Source: BMW Abu Dhabi Motors

BMW M1 spiritual successor virtually imagined

2015-10-31T19:51:00.004-05:00

BMW M1 spiritual successor virtually imagined

An independent designer has presented his own project for a successor of the legendaryBMW M1 supercar.

Giom Mouton is an artist from South Africa mostly known for his virtual BMW design projects. Now he is ready with a spiritual successor for the BMW M1 supercar, simply called the BMW M1 design study.

Clearly inspired by both the classic M1 and the i8, the car features a sleek design with sporty profile and low roofline. The machine is envisioned in two versions – a road-legal version and what appears to be a track-ready machine.

“My design is taking inspiration from – rather than copying – the original,” Mouton explains. “The concept is lightweight construction with less emphasis on luxury; performance and handling take center stage and active aerodynamics and a very low center of gravity plays a big part.”

Mouton says the concept could be powered by the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine of the M3/M4 with around 500 PS. 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration could be performed in under 4.0 seconds. PHOTOS

Source: Giom Image Art via BMW Blog

BMW X4 M40i leaks out, has 360 PS

2015-09-30T12:43:00.004-05:00

BMW X4 M40i

Minor visual changes over M Sport models

We have the first official images of the BMW X4 M40i to share thanks to a massive leak.

Bimmertoday has managed to obtain images depicting the most powerful X4 in the range – the M40i, expected to debut in a couple of weeks. You have to be a real auto guru to spot the differences between the model and any X4 with M Sport package. The changes are limited to new trim accents on the front bumper and new mirror caps, as well as a bespoke set of 19-inch alloys. At the back we see twin exhaust pipes.

Inside the cabin there's an exclusive sports steering wheel and door sills with X4 M40i lettering.

As we reported yesterday, the sporty SUV is powered by a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder turbo petrol unit with 360 PS (265 kW). 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration takes 4.9 seconds, which is 0.6 seconds faster than the X4 35i. Top speed is the same electronically limited 250 km/h (155 mph). PHOTOS

Source: Bimmertoday via Carscoops

Hear the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R engine roar during Paris event [video]

2015-09-30T12:42:00.001-05:00

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R

Will remain a concept

BMW brought its impressive 3.0 CSL Hommage R to a special event in Paris and they also fired up the engine to the delight of the gathered audience mesmerized by the design.

The concept made its debut more than a month ago in North America at Pebble Beach and it's basically a racing version of the original 3.0 CSL Hommage concept that was shown earlier this year at Concours d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Don't get your hopes up too high as there aren't any plans for a production version since the two interesting concepts were developed primarily as a tribute to the iconic 3.0 CSL which this year is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

BMW has so far refused to provide details about the engine, but they did say it's an inline-six that benefits from eBoost technology and you can hear it has a very aggressive tone even when idle. It appears the concept is fully functional and according to the Bavarian marque it portraits the "perfect fusion of driver and machine."

BMW introduces 320d xDrive Touring 40 Years Edition

2015-09-30T12:41:00.000-05:00

BMW 320d xDrive Touring 40 Years Edition

Available in Italy and Japan

BMW has introduced the special 40 Years Edition for the 320d xDrive Tourinig model.

Available in Italy and Japan, the vehicle is limited to only 100 units and comes to show the evolution of the 3-Series since the launch of the first model from the series. Back in 1975 the 3-Series was offered only as a two-door sedan with a petrol engine and rear-wheel drive, while the 40 Years Edition comes as a diesel 4x4 estate with diesel engine.

All 100 examples will be equipped with the M Sport package, including 19-inch alloy wheels and more effective brakes, Tanzanite blue metallic body finish and sporty bumpers. Inside the cabin there’s a sports steering while, as well as piano black accents on the dashboard.

Power is provided by a 2.0-liter diesel engine with 190 PS (140 kW), mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Power is sent to all four wheels through an xDrive system. PHOTOS

Source: BimmerToday

BMW X4 M40i coming later this year with 360 PS

2015-09-30T12:39:00.003-05:00

BMW X4 M40i spy photo / S. Baldauf / SB-Medien

Could feature BMW M2's 3.0-liter engine

BMW is preparing a debut for a high-performance M40i version of the X4 and it is expected to become reality before the end of the year.

According to e new report, the most powerful X4 in the range will have 360 PS (265 kW), sent to all four wheels through an xDrive all-wheel drive system. Power will be provided by a new 3.0-liter turbocharged engine, believed to be the same unit that will be used in the upcoming M2. The unit will be mated to a revised version of the 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox of the model.

While dynamic characteristic haven’t been confirmed yet, the vehicle is expected to reach 100 km/h from a standstill (0-62 mph) in around five seconds and hitting a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The X4 M40i will be equipped with the M Performance package that adds sporty suspension, aerodynamic body details, sports brakes and upgraded wheels. PHOTOS

Source: BMW Blog

2016 North American Car & Truck/Utility of the Year candidates announced

2015-09-30T12:37:00.001-05:00

The candidates for the 2016 North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year have been announced ahead of the awards ceremony at the 2016 North American International Auto Show.
On the car side, the contenders include the BMW 7-Series, Cadillac CT6, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Volt, Honda Civic, Kia Optima, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Nissan Maxima and the Toyota Prius.

Likewise, the nominees for Truck/Utility of the Year include the Ford Edge, Honda HR-V, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Renegade, Kia Sorento, Lexus RX, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Titan XD, Tesla Model X, Toyota Tacoma and Volvo XC90.
The aforementioned models will be tested by a panel of 57 jurors next month and they will eventually select three finalists for each category. The final winners will be announced on January 11th in Detroit.

Source: The Detroit Bureau

BMW unleashes M235i Track Edition in the Netherlands

2015-08-01T00:11:00.003-05:00

BMW M235i Track Edition

&lt;font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"&gt;&lt;/font&gt;Limited to only 12 copies

BMW Holland has introduced a limited series M235i Track Edition.

The high-performance model will be produced in a run of only 12 copies and will be available exclusively on the car market in the Netherlands. The Track Edition series offers a full M Performance bodykit with a prominent splitter, new bootlid spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser, etc. Also included is a set of 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels.

The interior comes nicely equipped with an Alcantara wrapped steering wheel, featuring a race display. Also installed are leather sports seats and stainless steel pedals.

No mechanical improvements are available, as power is still provided by a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine, generating 326 PS (240 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. Mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, this unit provides a 0-100 km/h (062 mph) sprint in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

BMW will produce only 12 copies of the Track Edition, which will be available at a yet undisclosed price. PHOTOS

Source: BMW

BMW M4 GTS concept reportedly headed to Pebble Beach

2015-08-01T00:09:00.005-05:00

BMW M4 GTS spy photo / Automedia

Could be joined by an updated version of the 3.0 CSL Hommage concept

BMW recently announced plans to introduce two new concepts at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and a new report is indicating the mystery models will be an M4 GTS concept and an updated version of the 3.0 CSL Hommage concept.Nothing is official but Autocar is reporting the M4 GTS concept will be a "thinly disguised" version on the production model which is slated to go on sale next year. The model is expected to be heavily influenced by the M4 MotoGP Safety Car so we can expect an aerodynamic body kit and an upgraded 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine with a water injection system. The latter change could enable the model to produce up to 467 bhp (348 kW).
Little is known about the updated version of the 3.0 CSL Hommage concept but speculation suggests its second showing could mean the company is considering a production variant.

Source: Autocar

BMW M4 painted in Grigio Medio looks stunning with M Performance parts

2015-08-01T00:09:00.002-05:00

BMW M4 Grigio Medio / BMWBLOG

Rides on HRE 20-inch wheels

Our friends at BMW BLOG had the opportunity take a few shots of what could be one of the most tricked out M4s out there.First and foremost, the high-performance coupe from Bavaria has received a Grigio Medio paint which should be familiar to Ferrari fans. It's also packed with a plethora of M Performance goodies such as the front and rear splitters, front spoiler lip, front grills, rear spoiler and diffuser - all of which are manufactured from carbon fiber to keep the weight down.

The list of upgrades doesn't end here as the M4 Coupe also has an Akrapovic Evolution exhaust system with carbon fiber tips and ER catless downpipes. The stock wheels were removed to make room for a satin black 20-inch HRE set and there's also an H&R spring kit to enhance handling.

Last but certainly not least, the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo has received an ESS tune chip, but it's not known at this point how much power it adds over the series 431 PS (317 kW) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft).

BMW M6 GT3 race car caught up close

2015-08-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

BMW M6 GT3 race car / S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

The 2016 BMW M6 GT3 has been spotted at the TOTAL 24 hours of Spa during a special event for racing teams.Set to replace the Z4 GT3, the M6 GT3 is based on the M6 Coupe and features an aerodynamic body kit with a new front bumper, revised side skirts and a prominent rear wing. The car also has a front splitter, a ventilated hood and side exiting exhaust tips. There's also extended rear fenders, a rear diffuser and a roof hatch which can be used to escape the vehicle in the event of a crash.

Power is provided by a "slightly modified" version of the company's 4.4-liter M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine. It produces 500 PS (367 kW) and "impressively high torque." The engine is connected to a six-speed sequential transmission which should enable the car to relatively quick as it weighs less than 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs). PHOTOS

BMW Abu Dhabi showcases Java Green 650i Convertible

2015-07-31T23:59:00.002-05:00

BMW 650i Convertible Java Green / BMW Abu Dhabi

Features a V8 biturbo engine

BMW Abu Dhabi currently has a stunning BMW 650i Convertible on display.Finished in Java Green metallic body paint, the machine displays “vivid expressions of sports performance and design elegance”. It comes with 19-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights and fog lamps. Inside, the Bavarian company has installed a stylish white leather interior with contrasting black leather for the dashboard and center console. Adding a nice touch is the piano lacquer for the center console and door cards.

Powering the 650i Convertible is a 4.4-liter V8 biturbo engine, generating 445 PS (327 kW) and 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque. Mated to a 8-speed automatic gearbox, this unit provides a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 5.0 seconds. PHOTOS

Source: BMW Abu Dhabi

G-Power tunes the BMW 435d xDrive Coupe to 380 PS

2015-07-31T23:57:00.000-05:00

BMW 435d xDrive by G-Power

G-Power has introduced their new tuning program for the BMW 435d xDrive Coupe.Starting under the hood, the 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine has been equipped with an optimized ECU which enables it to produce 380 PS (279 kW) and 755 Nm (556 lb-ft) of torque - an increase of 67 PS (49 kW) and 125 Nm (92 lb-ft). G-Power declined to say how fast the car is but the standard model accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.

Besides the engine upgrade, customers can remove the speed limiter and add 20-inch Hurricane RR forged aluminum wheels.

Source: G-Power

2016 BMW M2 confirmed with standard 6-speed manual and optional 7-speed DCT

2015-07-31T23:56:00.000-05:00

2016 BMW M2 spy photo / S. Baldauf / SB-Medien

&lt;font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"&gt;&lt;/font&gt;Available exclusively with black 19-inch alloys

A member of the 2addicts forums has managed to acquire the options sheet for the 2016 BMW M2 Coupe which he has on order for a March 2016 delivery.

BMW has decided to please everyone as they are about to offer the new M2 with both the standard six-speed manual gearbox and the optional seven-speed DCT. There aren't a lot of choices in terms of body paint as only the Black Sapphire, Alpine White, Long Beach Blue and Mineral Grey hues are being offered while the interior comes exclusively in black leather combined with blue stitching.

The small high-performance coupe from Bavaria will ride only on black 19-inch alloy wheels and will benefit as standard from Navigation Pro, carbon fiber cabin inserts, rear parking sensors and shadow line in black. At an additional cost, the M2 can be customized with power heated front seats, rearview camera, Harman Kardon sound system, adaptive headlights and Internet access. Those willing to spend more can also order tinted rear windows, one of the two telephone system options along with an extended 5-year warranty.

We still don't know how much power the turbocharged 6-cylinder 3.0-liter engine generates, but latest report indicates it will develop about 370 PS (272 KW) and 465 Nm (500 Nm with overboost). The 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint should take less than four and a half seconds en route to an electronically-capped 155 mph (250 km/h). There's no word just yet about the availability of an optional M Driver's Package to bump that limiter to 170 mph (274 km/h) or so.

All the details will be available in less than two months as the 2016 BMW M2 Coupe is expected to receive its world premiere in mid-September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but an online reveal could occur by the end of August.

Special thanks go to Lewis for sending us the tip!

Source: 2addicts.com

Apple car to be based on the BMW i3?

2015-07-31T23:55:00.002-05:00

2014 BMW i3

&lt;font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"&gt;&lt;/font&gt;The Apple car rumor mill is back in action as a new report is indicating that the highly-anticipated model could be based on the BMW i3.According to Germany's Manager Magazin, Apple CEO Tim Cook is interested in basing their oft-rumored car on i3 and the companies held discussions about the idea in the fall of 2014. These were apparently broken off but companies reportedly agreed to keep talking "from time to time."

Any Apple rumor should be taken with a grain of salt but the publication says Cook was interested enough that he and other "senior managers" visited BMW's Leipzig plant to see where the i3 was produced.

Source: Manager Magazin via BMW Blog

BMW M4 by TAG Motorsports looks mean with very wide body kit

2015-07-31T23:54:00.004-05:00

BMW M4 by TAG Motorsports

&lt;font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"&gt;&lt;/font&gt;Features titanium exhaust from Akrapovic

Californian tuner TAG Motorsports has elaborated a comprehensive aftermarket package for the BMW M4 Coupe.
The high-performance coupe has received Vorsteiner’s GTRS4 wide body kit combined with the M Performance carbon fiber side mirror caps dressed in satin carbon along with a deck lid spoiler finished in satin carbon. The extremely wide fenders, overly aggressive rear diffuser, beefier side skirts and a prominent front splitter have turned this M4 into an absolute brute.

The list of upgrades doesn't end here as TAG Motorsports have applied a titanium exhaust system with carbon tips from Akrapovic, along with HRE's 20-inch wheels finished in brushed titanium and wrapped around in 265/30/20 front and 345/25/20 rear Pirelli P Zero tires. There are some mechanical tweaks as well, such as an AWE Tuning carbon intake and an ESS ECU upgrade for the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine while the Bilstein Clubsport coil over suspension rounds off the changes. PHOTOS

Source: TAG Motorsports

Jointly-developed BMW & Toyota sports cars to be about the size of the Porsche 911

2015-07-31T23:53:00.002-05:00

Toyota FT-1 Concept

New details are starting to emerge about the jointly-developed BMW and Toyota sports cars.According to a source who spoke to Motoring, the models will ride on aluminum spaceframe chassis and feature carbon fiber reinforced plastic body panels. The insider went on to say the models will be about the same size as a Porsche 911 and measure less than 4500mm long.

The companies haven't had much to say about the cars lately but the source said Toyota has already finalized the design of their car and people will be "surprised at how good it looks." That's not much to go on but the insider stated the model doesn't look like a traditional Toyota.
Engine options remain unconfirmed but will reportedly include a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 241 bhp (180 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque as well as a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with at least 335 bhp (250kW) and 331 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. We can also expect a plug-in hybrid variant that could produce 473 bhp (353 kW). The BMW variant will be offered with all three engines, while the Supra will reportedly be offered with the latter two powertrains.

Source: Motoring

BMW 750d xDrive with quad-turbo diesel to debut in 2016

2015-07-31T23:51:00.003-05:00

BMW 640d xDrive's 3,0 liter Diesel Inline Six-Cylinder Engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology

Will have 408 PS

BMW is reportedly working on a new quad-turbocharged diesel engine that will be revealed next year.

The new diesel unit will make its debut in the 750d xDrive and will probably be offered for the M550d, X5 M50d, X6 M50d and X7 M50d later on. Dubbed the B57 TOP, the engine will feature four turbochargers, but it is still unclear whether the Bavarian company will install four classic turbos or add an electrically-driven turbo to the current three-turbo setup.

According to preliminary details, this new diesel powerplant will likely generate 408 PS (300 kW) and around 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. The power will be channeled through an 8-speed automatic gearbox and an xDrive all-wheel drive system to all four wheels. Our sources also say the quad-turbo engine will provide a significantly improved throttle response.

Currently the most powerful diesel 7-Series is the 730d that has a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder diesel with 265 PS (195 kW) and 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) of torque.

Note: BMW 6-cylinder 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel engine pictured.

Source: Bimmertoday via BMW Blog

BMW M6 GT3 photographed again ahead of confirmed January 2016 reveal

2015-07-31T23:50:00.005-05:00

2016 BMW M6 GT3

To debut at 24H Dubai or Rolex 24 Daytona

The BMW M6 GT3 racecar has been caught on camera once again ahead of an early 2016 reveal.

It was exhibited at the TOTAL 24 hours of Spa during a special event organized for racing teams and according to BMW Motorsport director Jens Marquardt the racecar will be fully revealed early next year either at the Hankook 24H Dubai set for January 14-16 or at Rolex 24 at Daytona programmed for January 30-31.

As you can see, the track-only beast looks significantly more aggressive than its road-going counterpart and comes with an aerodynamic body kit optimized in the wind tunnel and featuring a massive rear wing along with a ventilated hood. The M6 GT3 also has side-mounted exhaust tips and a huge front splitter made from carbon fiber while the roof hatch will allow the driver to get out of the car in case of an unfortunate accident.

Tipping the scales at less than 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs), the M6 GT3 should be an absolute rocket as its twin-turbo V8 4.4-liter engine has been modified specifically for track use and is going to deliver in excess of 500 bhp (373 kW) transferred to the road via a race-spec six-speed sequential gearbox.

BMW Motorsport has previously announced the M6 GT3 will compete starting next year in several national and international series, including endurance races. PHOTOS

Source: sportscar365.com

Amazon reportedly paid Clarkson, May, Hammond $250 million for 3-year, 36-episode deal

2015-07-31T23:47:00.000-05:00

James May, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond

Netflix and ITV were also interested

New details are starting to emerge about the deal between Amazon and the former Top Gear trio.The official deal announcement was made yesterday after endless weeks of speculations and now Financial Times is providing some interesting details about the contract. It seems Amazon has agreed to pay Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond a whopping $250 million (€226 / £159 million) for a three-year contract consisting of 36 episodes.

This means there will likely be 12 episodes each year which is good news taking into account the latest series of Top Gear UK had significantly fewer episodes. The show doesn't have a name just yet, but we do know ex Top Gear producer Andy Wilman will be in charge and it will be interesting to see whether there's going to be a new mysterious racing driver in the same vein as TG's the Stig.

The new show is set to debut next year and will air through the Amazon Prime online service so it will be available just about all over the world.

Source: ft.com

BMW Individual celebrates 25th anniversary with special M4 Coupe

2015-06-29T15:33:00.000-05:00

Features Macao Blue paint

BMW is celebrating the 25^th anniversary of its Individual customization division through a special M4 Coupe.

The exterior can be visually distinguished thanks to its Macao Blue metallic body paint combined with a black finish for the BMW M front splitter while the carbon roof wears the legendary M stripes. On the inside it gains the BMW Individual extended fine-grain Merino leather upholstery finished in a bi-color black & Silverstone theme with contrast stitching in Silverstone and embroidered 25^th anniversary logos on the headrests.

The center console and hand brake lever have both been wrapped around in leather, with the latter featuring an embroidered M logo. There's also an M carbon fiber trim with Macao Blue metallic accents and another M logo on the center console.

There haven't been any changes underneath the hood, so this BMW M4 Coupe has the same TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 431 PS (317 kW) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) channeled to the road through an optional seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox enabling the high-performance coupe hit 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill in 4.1 seconds. PHOTOS

Source: BMW

BMW 7-Series Individual revealed

2015-06-29T15:31:00.001-05:00

The BMW Individual division has unveiled a personalized 2016 7-Series.

The Bavarians explain “the all-new BMW 7-Series is a car with an astonishing variety of options”, but for those with even higher demands, BMW Individual offers a personalized 7-Series with an extended range of colors and materials.

The bespoke limousine comes finished in Almandine Brown metallic paint and has 20-inch BMW Individual bi-color forged light alloys. You can also notice the ‘BMW Individual’ lettering on the wheels and on the boot lid under the specification badge.

Inside the cabin there are new aluminium door sill finishers, as well as Merino leather with matching Alcantara headliner. The interior trim is finished in piano black, while there’s also a new BMW Individual leather steering wheel. PHOTOS

Source: BMW

BMW exec hints next-gen 1-Series could be rear-wheel driven

2015-06-29T15:30:00.003-05:00

Final decision pending

A BMW exec has hinted in a recent interview that the next generation 1-Series could use a RWD architecture.

Until now it was believed the 2018 1-Series will be based on the UKL1 front-wheel drive platform that already underpins several models from BMW and MINI, but now there’s a new indication the company could keep the RWD layout of the car. Speaking to MotorTrend, Klaus Frohlich, member of the Board of Management for BMW AG, hinted the final decision is about to be taken by the end of the year.

“If rear drive, we would lose advantages of luggage space,” he commented. “But if one sort of customer wants space, he can get the 2-Series Active Tourer. The 1-Series is about conquest sales, so it has to be a true BMW. We don't have to decide until the end of this year.”

The current 1-Series was facelifted in January this year and gained three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines for the first time.

Note: BMW 1-Series facelift design sketch pictured.

Source: MotorTrend